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Newsroom
October 9, 2009
Houston's two main airports -George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) - scored top rankings in the 2009 Travel + Leisure survey of the nation's favorite cities. Thirty cities made the cut for the survey which highlighted 56 categories. Visitors handed Houston's Airports the top three spots in questions relating to aviation, including first place for lounges:
- · Airport Lounges- 1st Place
- · Airport Food and Drink- 2nd Place
- · Airport Staff Efficiency- 2nd Place
- · Airport Entertainment- 2nd Place
- · Airport On Time Performance- 3rd Place
- · Airport Shopping- 3rd Place
- · Airport Design and Functionality- 4th Place
"Airports are often the gateway to a city and that means we must make a good first impression," says Eric Potts, interim director of aviation for the city of Houston. "We accomplish that by focusing on customer service, outstanding amenities, a dedicated staff, and by creating an atmosphere that says welcome to Houston, we're glad you are here."
During the past year IAH and HOU have opened half a dozen unique and renowned stores and restaurants including the world's first Jack Daniels duty free store. Bush Intercontinental has welcomed three new air carriers - Qatar Airways, Alaska Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airlines - and has launched service to eight new destinations.
George Bush Intercontinental is particularly well suited to handle the needs of international travelers, with customs processing taking place in the largest Federal Inspection Services facility (FIS) in the world. During a peak month the facility handles an estimated 15,000 international passengers. Both HOU and IAH offer a combined team of 42 Special Services Representatives (SSR) who are able to assist and communicate with travelers in 18 languages.
Travelers ranked Hobby Airport as one of the top five airports in the world for performance and customer service according to Airports Council International (ACI) the leading organization representing airports around the globe.
The Travel + Leisure survey rankings also found the Houston area to be stylish, sophisticated, cultured and diverse.
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The Houston Airport System (HAS) served more than 50 million passengers in 2008, ranking as the 4th largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th largest airport system in the world. Houston's three airports contribute more than $24 billion to the regional economy and are responsible for the employment of 151,000 people. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), now celebrating its 40th Anniversary, is the 8th busiest airport in the nation. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) together have served the Texas Gulf Coast region for more than 150 years. For more information, visit fly2houston.com and watch "Houston Airports Today" every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on KTBU My Channel 55. | 
